“I can honestly say I understand the feeling.”
I look up at him and catch a glimpse of anguish. “Your father?”
“Yeah.”
We reach the dining-room door, and I place my hand on Kyron’s arm. “You and I will make sure that what happened to you and your father never happens to another family. We will change everything. Starting today, our kingdom begins anew.”
He kisses my forehead. “I look forward to it, but first…”
The Stigian warriors at the doors open them and the room beyond them falls silent. I slide my hand back into Kyron’s and together we walk inside.
My family, friends, and several high-ranking guards and soldiers sit at the table, eating breakfast. To keep tensions at bay, I felt it was best to separate mealtimes. Conversations tend to veer toward politics, and I wanted to avoid any unnecessary fights while we are guests. My stress is already elevated under the circumstance, I didn’t need to add to it.
Everyone in the dining room stands and bows while formally greeting me as I pass. The sign of respect reserved for the sovereign and those in their line has never sat well with me. I always felt unworthy of it. Now, it thrills me to know they will soon give Kyron the same honor.
We take our seats. Kyron lowers int the chair at the head of the table and me to his right.
Salone brushes a red strand of hair behind her ear and leans in from her place beside me. “I’m guessing Kyron is the reason why you were not in your room this morning.”
I smirk and shrug. No confirmation is needed. Everyone who knows me the most can take one look at me and see that something has shifted. The weight I carried before has lessened. I now share my burdens with another. In the matter of minutes, everyone will understand the future Kyron and I plan for them… for Pliris.
She rubs her palms together and giggles. “Scandalous, Your Majesty.”
I look past my sister to my brother. Rowan glares at Kyron and bites into a biscuit like he is imagining it’s the prince’s head. He will take a little more convincing than the others, but I’m certain he’ll come around. Further down the table my mother and father look at us with curiosity. It’s better than Rowan’s death glare. Ansley stares at Kyron with big doe-eyes. She is smitten with the prince, and of course, I don’t blame her. I lock eyes withBorin, who gives me a quick nod. No doubt, my lead advisor has a hunch about what is coming. He was one of the first to notice my attraction to Kyron and was there for Micah’s final words to us. He understands how important it is for me to unite our kingdoms. Leif and Wel wear massive grins, unabashed in the way they flirt with one another.
Lastly, Greer and Terro catch my attention, and my heart aches. It’s been a month since Ulric was taken, and I’ll never get used to seeing them without him. Everything seems off without his jubilant attitude in their mix. He is part of my driving force to do what I must today.
I may not want to face the Allaji, to act civil toward them or listen to their demands, but I will do it for Ulric. Whatever it takes, I will get him, Zek, and even Esmeray back. But first, I must put other plans into motion.
With a deep breath, I stand and raise my voice over the chatter. “May I have everyone’s attention please?”
The room falls silent, and all eyes turn to me. It’s scary to hold their undivided attention, to know they will cling and dissect my every word. Some will hate what’s to come, and others will embrace it like the new dawn it’s meant to be.
I remain focused on my loved ones, letting their love for me fuel my bravery. Lifting my chin, I say, “As many of you know, King Micah betrothed Lord Stone and me when we were children, and we made our vow to wed last year. I believe my match was made with the best of intentions. The king chose a man who cares for me deeply and is loyal to our kingdom.” I smile at Leif and his cheeks turn pink. “Unlike Micah and Borin, Leif and I do not share a parah bond. That bond was a magnificent force that drove the decisions of Micah and Borin’s rule. The precious gift they were given had a great effect on our kingdom. The Statera has blessed me with that same bond.” I glance down at Kyron and flash him a tender smile. “I’ve invoked the power found in the parah bond to release Leif from our promise to marry.” The table stirs, and before it can get out of hand, I lift my glass of juice. “Please join me in thanking Leif for his service to the crown and wishing him well as he embarks on a life with the man he loves.”
My best friend and his boyfriend clink their glasses together and share a kiss. And just like that, the room falls to the charms of Leif Stone. Everyone erupts into applause and awes for the two.
When things quiet, I let go of my smile and say, “These past days without Micah have been gut-wrenching. Everyone at this table has felt thevoid caused by his absence. He ruled us in love and hope. It was that hope and the prophecy of a Sibyl that led him to choose me as your queen. He believed I could restore Pliris and rule a land where Khiros and Cyffreds are equal. I believe that as well.”
Everyone cheers and lifts their glasses.
“We are a long way from that day, but last night, I took the first steps to make his dream and the prophecy a reality. It was my honor to grant his dying wish.” I reach for Kyron’s hand and square my shoulders. “I anointed Kyron LeFur as our future king. My parah will one day rule both kingdoms and reunite them under a new law, one that treats all as equal.”
“Can you do that without a Sibyl to solidify the bond?” Terro asks, his voice quiet with shock.
I fight the smile that pulls at my lips. “Are you wanting the pomp and circumstances of an anointment ceremony, Lieutenant-Commander August? I’ve stood before the Statera in the sanctuary and made my intentions known. As your queen, can I not ask the people in this room to solidify this bond and make sure my wishes are carried out?”
“I—I don’t?—”
“You can,” Borin says. “It is tradition that a Sibyl bind the anointment, but it is not necessary. The only practice that must be followed is having a Sibyl bind a sovereign’s oath to their kingdom before taking the crown.”
Seconds tick by in complete silence, and I worry that my choice will be met with more opposition. That is until my father stands with his glass in hand. “May the Statera bless Lucent’s future king, Prince Kyron LeFur.”
Greer, Terro, Leif, and Wel stand. “May the Statera bless Lucent’s future king.”
“Bless the future king!” Ansley shouts, holding up her glass.
One by one, my family and friends stand, showing their respect for my choice… for Kyron.
